WO2024055080A1 - Storage apparatus - Google Patents

Storage apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024055080A1
WO2024055080A1 PCT/AU2023/050896 AU2023050896W WO2024055080A1 WO 2024055080 A1 WO2024055080 A1 WO 2024055080A1 AU 2023050896 W AU2023050896 W AU 2023050896W WO 2024055080 A1 WO2024055080 A1 WO 2024055080A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tunnel
gaseous hydrogen
containment system
layer
ground surface
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2023/050896
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Vijay PRADHAN
Robert Krause
Rodney Silberstein
Anmol Bedi
Original Assignee
Fortescue Future Industries Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2022902682A external-priority patent/AU2022902682A0/en
Application filed by Fortescue Future Industries Pty Ltd filed Critical Fortescue Future Industries Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2024055080A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024055080A1/en

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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C1/00Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
    • F17C1/007Underground or underwater storage
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65GTRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G5/00Storing fluids in natural or artificial cavities or chambers in the earth
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04HBUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H7/00Construction or assembling of bulk storage containers employing civil engineering techniques in situ or off the site
    • E04H7/02Containers for fluids or gases; Supports therefor
    • E04H7/18Containers for fluids or gases; Supports therefor mainly of concrete, e.g. reinforced concrete, or other stone-like material
    • E04H7/20Prestressed constructions
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21DSHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
    • E21D11/00Lining tunnels, galleries or other underground cavities, e.g. large underground chambers; Linings therefor; Making such linings in situ, e.g. by assembling
    • E21D11/04Lining with building materials
    • E21D11/08Lining with building materials with preformed concrete slabs
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21DSHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
    • E21D11/00Lining tunnels, galleries or other underground cavities, e.g. large underground chambers; Linings therefor; Making such linings in situ, e.g. by assembling
    • E21D11/38Waterproofing; Heat insulating; Soundproofing; Electric insulating
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/12Arrangements or mounting of devices for preventing or minimising the effect of explosion ; Other safety measures
    • F17C13/126Arrangements or mounting of devices for preventing or minimising the effect of explosion ; Other safety measures for large storage containers for liquefied gas
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01Shape
    • F17C2201/0138Shape tubular
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/03Orientation
    • F17C2201/035Orientation with substantially horizontal main axis
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/03Orientation
    • F17C2201/037Orientation with sloping main axis
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05Size
    • F17C2201/052Size large (>1000 m3)
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0604Liners
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0614Single wall
    • F17C2203/0619Single wall with two layers
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0658Synthetics
    • F17C2203/066Plastics
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0678Concrete
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/068Special properties of materials for vessel walls
    • F17C2203/0685Special properties of materials for vessel walls flexible
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/068Special properties of materials for vessel walls
    • F17C2203/0695Special properties of materials for vessel walls pre-constrained
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/012Hydrogen
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/035High pressure (>10 bar)
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/03Dealing with losses
    • F17C2260/035Dealing with losses of fluid
    • F17C2260/036Avoiding leaks
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/04Reducing risks and environmental impact
    • F17C2260/044Avoiding pollution or contamination
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00Applications
    • F17C2270/01Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0142Applications for fluid transport or storage placed underground
    • F17C2270/0144Type of cavity
    • F17C2270/0149Type of cavity by digging cavities
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00Applications
    • F17C2270/05Applications for industrial use

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a storage apparatus and more specifically, but not exclusively, to an underground storage apparatus having a concrete liner for storing gaseous hydrogen.
  • Examples of the present invention seek to provide a storage apparatus which ameliorates or at least alleviates one or more disadvantages of existing hydrogen storage apparatuses, or at least provides a useful alternative.
  • a gaseous hydrogen containment system comprising one or more sources of gaseous hydrogen located above, below, or partially below a ground surface that are connected via one or more access shafts or one or more incline tunnels to an underground tunnel excavated from any type of rock at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 200m and the tunnel has an internal diameter range of 1.8 to 16m and a total length of between 1 and 40km, and the tunnel is fitted with at least one bulkhead, wherein the interior surface of the excavated tunnel is backfilled and lined to provide a surface that is lined with at least one layer of reinforced concrete having a compressive strength of between 40-80MPa and having a thickness of between 100 and 700mm and the concrete layer facing the interior of the tunnel is coated with at least one elastomeric polymer layer, whereby the concrete layer and the rock surrounding the tunnel resists a pressure of between approximately 1-90 bar(a) from the gaseous hydrogen being stored in the tunnel, and in the event that a crack
  • the one or more sources of gaseous hydrogen are powered by one or more intermittent sources of energy.
  • the underground tunnel is connected to a pressurized hydrogen supply system located above ground.
  • the underground tunnel is divided into two or more sections to provide a pre-defined percentage of system redundancy. More preferably, the two or more sections comprise one or more spiral chambers, one or more parallel chambers or a combination thereof. Even more preferably, the chambers are round in cross-section.
  • 150 - 5000 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen are stored in the entire length of the tunnel.
  • the tunnel is excavated at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 100 m.
  • the tunnel is excavated at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 50m.
  • the concrete layer is pre-stressed with steel strands.
  • the strands may be coated with a protective polymer coating or galvanised with a non-corrosive metal.
  • the concrete layer is fitted with a water sealing gasket and an open cell drainage system that drains water away from the elastomeric polymer layer.
  • a drainage mat layer is attached on the concrete layer facing the interior of the tunnel.
  • a mortar layer is coated on the drainage mat layer.
  • the elastomeric polymer layer is coated on the mortar layer.
  • the elastomeric polymer layer has a hydrogen permeability of equal or less than 20 g/m 2 /day at a pressure range of approximately 30-60 bar(a). More preferably, the elastomeric polymer layer has a hydrogen permeability of equal or less than 10 g/m 2 /day at a pressure range of approximately 30-60 bar (a).
  • the tunnel is fitted with at least one flame retarder, arrestor, or a gate system to mitigate flame propagation.
  • a gaseous hydrogen containment system comprising one or more sources of gaseous hydrogen located above, below, or partially below a ground surface that are connected via one or more access shafts or one or more incline tunnels to an underground tunnel excavated from any type of rock at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 200m and the tunnel has an internal diameter range of 1.8 to 16m and a total length of between 1 to 40km and the tunnel is fitted with at least one bulkhead, wherein the interior surface of the excavated tunnel is lined with at least one layer of reinforced concrete having a compressive strength of between 40-80 MPa and having a thickness of between 100mm and 700mm and the concrete layer facing the interior of the tunnel is coated with a steel layer, whereby the concrete layer and the rock surrounding the tunnel resists a pressure of between approximately 1-90 bar(a) from the gaseous hydrogen being stored in the tunnel, and in the event that a crack forms in the concrete layer, the crack is no more than 6mm in width.
  • the one or more sources of gaseous hydrogen are powered by one or more intermittent sources of energy.
  • the underground tunnel is connected to a pressurized hydrogen supply system located above ground.
  • a pressurized electrolyser and/or a hydrogen compressor can be parts of the pressurized hydrogen supply system.
  • the underground tunnel is divided into two or more sections to provide a pre-defined percentage of system redundancy. More preferably, the two or more sections comprise one or more spiral chambers, one or more parallel chambers or a combination thereof. Even more preferably, the chambers are round in cross-section.
  • the tunnel is excavated at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 100m. More preferably, the tunnel is excavated at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 50m.
  • the concrete layer is pre-stressed with steel strands, that are optionally coated with a protective polymer coating or galvanised with a non-corrosive metal.
  • the concrete layer is fitted with water sealing gaskets and an open cell drainage system that drains water away from the steel layer.
  • the tunnel is fitted with at least one flame retarder, arrestor or a gate system to mitigate flame propagation.
  • a storage apparatus for storing gaseous hydrogen, the storage apparatus including a source of gaseous hydrogen, a storage cavity located below a ground surface, and a conduit between said source and said storage cavity for supply of hydrogen from said source to said storage cavity, wherein said storage cavity is provided with a liner formed of a settable material.
  • the source of gaseous hydrogen may be located above, below, or partially below a ground surface
  • the settable material may be concrete.
  • the settable material may be reinforced concrete.
  • the reinforced concrete may have a compressive strength of between 40 and 80MPa.
  • the reinforced concrete may have a thickness of between 100 and 700mm.
  • the concrete layer and rock surrounding the storage cavity may be adapted to resist a pressure of between approximately 1-90 bar(a) from the gaseous hydrogen being stored in the storage cavity.
  • the concrete layer and said rock surrounding the storage cavity may be arranged such that, in the event that a crack forms in the concrete layer, a width of the crack does not exceed 6mm.
  • the liner may include a polymeric internal layer, located internally of the reinforced concrete.
  • the internal layer may be formed of an elastomeric polymer.
  • the storage cavity may be in the form of a tunnel.
  • the tunnel may have a total length between 1 km and 40 km.
  • the tunnel may be excavated from rock such that surrounding rock provides confinement against expansion of the storage cavity.
  • the tunnel may be excavated at a depth from said ground surface not exceeding 200m.
  • the tunnel may have an internal diameter within the range of 1.8 m to 16m.
  • the tunnel may be in the form of a spiral.
  • the tunnel may be in the form of multiple parallel tunnel sections interconnected by a cross manifold.
  • the tunnel may be fitted with at least one bulkhead.
  • Figure 1 shows examples of the present invention in which the storage cavity is in the form of a spiral type tunnel
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B show an example of the present invention in which the storage cavity is in the form of parallel tunnels
  • Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of a concrete lining with sprayed membrane
  • Figure 4 shows a tortuous effect of fillers in a polymer barrier
  • Figure 5 shows storage of hydrogen within a hydrogen process chain
  • Figure 6A shows a graph of the volume of excavation (m 3 ) required to store 600 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen stored at 20°C at different pressures (bar(a)).
  • Figure 6B shows a graph of the tunnel length (m) required to store 600 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen stored at 20°C at different pressures (bar(a)) and with different internal tunnel diameters (06m; 08m; 012m);
  • Figure 6C shows a graph of balance depth, i.e. the depth at which ground pressure theoretically equals storage pressure. Tunnels can be shallower than shown in this graph, for a given pressure;
  • Figure 7 depicts cost optimisation in relation to storage pressure ranges;
  • Figure 8 shows a principle process flow diagram of a gas containment and purging system
  • Figure 9 shows a prestressing system of a storage apparatus in accordance with an example of the present invention.
  • Figure 10A and 10B shows an integrated steel liner option
  • Figures 11A to 11C show examples of open cell drainage systems including use of mesh in a tunnel lining, mesh material detail, and cell shaped geotextile;
  • Figures 12A to 12C show examples of open cell drainage systems including foamed grout, perforated pipes, and a combination of foamed grout and perforated pipes;
  • Figure 13 shows an open cell drainage system is similar to Figure 11 A.
  • the storage apparatus 10 includes a source 14 of gaseous hydrogen located above a ground surface 16, a storage cavity 18 located below the ground surface 16, and a conduit 20 between said source 14 and said storage cavity 18 for supply of hydrogen from the source 14 to the storage cavity 18.
  • the storage cavity 18 is provided with a liner 22 formed of a settable material 24.
  • the storage apparatus 10 uses surrounding earth and rock as well as the liner 22 to provide containment of the gaseous hydrogen 12.
  • the settable material 24 may be in the form of concrete 26.
  • the settable material 24 may be in the form of reinforced concrete 26.
  • the storage cavity 18 may be located entirely below the ground surface 16, as shown in Figure 8.
  • the liner 22 may include a polymeric internal layer 28, located internally of the reinforced concrete 26.
  • the internal layer 28 may be formed of an elastomeric polymer 30.
  • ground material 32 backfill annulus grout 34, precast concrete segments 36, water sealing gaskets 38, a drainage mat layer 40, a sprayed mortar regulating layer 42 and a spray applied gas proof membrane 44.
  • the storage cavity 18 may be in the form of a tunnel 46.
  • the tunnel 46 may have a total length of between 1 km and 40km.
  • the tunnel 46 may be excavated from rock such that ground material 32 in the form of surrounding rock provides confinement against expansion of the storage cavity 18.
  • the volume of ground material that is required to be excavated to store 600 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen at 20 °C and at different pressures is shown in Figure 6a. From approximately 20 bar(a), the volume of excavation required decreases at a lower rate and at 30 bar(a), the volume of excavation begins to flatten.
  • the tunnel 46 may be excavated at a depth from the ground surface 16 not exceeding 200m.
  • the tunnel 46 may have an internal diameter within the range of 1 ,8m to 16m.
  • Figure 6b shows that the internal diameter of the tunnel affects the required length of the tunnel.
  • a tunnel having an internal diameter of 12 m does not need to be as long as a tunnel having an internal diameter of 6 m.
  • the depth of the tunnel is also a factor as the deeper the tunnel, the higher the permitted storage pressure, so a tunnel of given diameter can be shorter.
  • An economic benefit of the apparatus is that it may be optimised for the best cost benefit.
  • the capital expenditure curve (CAPEX) and the operational cost curve (OPEX) is shown in one graph.
  • the variable is the pressure range or amount of cushion gas on the horizontal axis.
  • the sum of both curves (CAPEX + OPEX) shows an optimum at a pressure range of 30-15 bar or 600T cushion gas. The optimum point will be different from project to project, depending on external equipment constraints and geological conditions.
  • the tunnel 46 may be fitted with at least one bulkhead 48.
  • the reinforced concrete 26 may have a compressive strength of between 40 MPa and 80MPa.
  • the reinforced concrete 26 may have a thickness of between 100mm and 700mm.
  • the concrete layer 26 and rock ground material 32 surrounding the storage cavity 18 may be adapted to resist a pressure of between approximately 1-90 bar(a) from the gaseous hydrogen 12 being stored in the storage cavity 18.
  • the concrete layer 26 and the rock ground material 32 surrounding the storage cavity 18 may be arranged such that, in the event that a crack forms in the concrete layer 26, a width of the crack does not exceed 6mm.
  • the tunnel 46 may be in the form of a spiral 50, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the tunnel 46 may be in the form of multiple parallel tunnel sections 52 interconnected by a cross manifold 54.
  • the storage apparatus 10 may provide a gaseous hydrogen containment system comprising one or more sources 14 of gaseous hydrogen 12 located above, below, or partially below a ground surface that are connected via one or more access shafts or one or more incline tunnels to an underground tunnel 46.
  • the tunnel 46 may be excavated from any type of rock at a depth from the ground surface 16 of no more than 200m and the tunnel 46 may have an internal diameter range of 1.8m to 16m and a total length of between 1km to 40km.
  • the tunnel 46 may be fitted with at least one bulkhead 48.
  • An interior surface of the excavated tunnel 46 may be backfilled and lined to provide a surface that is lined with at least one layer of reinforced concrete 26 having a compressive strength of between 40MPa to 80MPa and having a thickness of between 100mm and 700mm.
  • the concrete layer 26 facing the interior of the tunnel 46 is coated with at least one elastomeric polymer layer 28, whereby the concrete layer 26 and the rock ground material 32 surrounding the tunnel 46 resists a pressure of between approximately 1-90 bar(a) from the gaseous hydrogen 12 being stored in the tunnel 46.
  • the storage apparatus 10 is adapted such that the crack is no more than 6mm in width.
  • the one or more sources 14 of gaseous hydrogen 12 may be powered by one or more intermittent sources of energy.
  • the underground tunnel 46 may be connected to a pressurized hydrogen supply system 14 located above ground.
  • the underground tunnel 46 may be divided into two or more sections to provide a pre-defined percentage of system redundancy.
  • the two or more sections may comprise one or more spiral chambers, one or more parallel chambers or a combination thereof.
  • the chambers may be round in cross-section.
  • 150 - 5000 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen 12 are stored in the entire length of the tunnel 46.
  • the tunnel 46 may be excavated at a depth from the ground surface 16 of no more than 100m. More specifically, the tunnel 46 may be excavated at a depth from the ground surface 16 of no more than 50m.
  • the concrete layer 26 may be pre-stressed with steel strands, that are optionally coated with a protective polymer coating or galvanised with a non-corrosive metal.
  • the concrete layer 26 may be fitted with a water sealing gasket 38 (see Figure 3) and an open cell drainage system that drains water away from the elastomeric polymer layer 28.
  • the drainage mat layer 40 may be attached to the concrete layer 26 facing the interior of the tunnel 46.
  • the mortar layer 42 may be coated on the drainage mat layer 40.
  • the elastomeric polymer layer 28 may be coated on the mortar layer 42.
  • the elastomeric polymer layer 28 may have a hydrogen permeability of equal or less than 10 g/m 2 /day at a pressure range of approximately 30-60 bar(a).
  • the tunnel 46 may be fitted with at least one flame retarder, arrestor, or a gate system 58 to mitigate flame propagation.
  • a gaseous hydrogen containment system comprising one or more sources 14 of gaseous hydrogen 12 located above, below, or partially below a ground surface that are connected via one or more access shafts or one or more incline tunnels to an underground tunnel 46 excavated from any type of rock at a depth from the ground surface 16.
  • the term “containment” is used herein to mean a loss of hydrogen of approximately no more than 0.4% of the storage mass of hydrogen per day, and preferably a loss of hydrogen of approximately no more than 0.2% of the storage mass of hydrogen per day.
  • the term “partially below ground” is used herein to mean that the structure of the one or more sources of gaseous hydrogen that may include a pressurized hydrogen supply system is located both above and below the ground surface.
  • the part of the structure that is below the ground surface i.e. underground
  • the ground surface is at a depth from the ground surface that is not greater than the depth of the underground tunnel.
  • the depth from the ground surface 16 of the underground tunnel 46 is no more than 200m and the tunnel 46 has an internal diameter range of 1.8m to 16m and a total length of between 1km and 40km.
  • the tunnel 46 may be fitted with at least one bulkhead 48.
  • the interior surface of the excavated tunnel 46 is lined with at least one layer of reinforced concrete 26 having a compressive strength of between 40MPa and 80MPa and having a thickness of between 100mm and 700mm.
  • the concrete layer facing the interior of the tunnel 46 may be coated with a steel layer 60, whereby the concrete layer 26 and the rock ground material 32 surrounding the tunnel 46 resists a pressure of between approximately 1 bar(a) and 90 bar(a) from the gaseous hydrogen 12 being stored in the tunnel 46.
  • the storage apparatus 10 may be adapted such that the crack is no more than 6mm in width.
  • the one or more sources 14 of gaseous hydrogen 12 may be powered by one or more intermittent sources of energy.
  • the underground tunnel 46 may be connected to a pressurized hydrogen supply system 14 located above ground.
  • the underground tunnel 46 may be divided into two or more sections to provide a pre-defined percentage of system redundancy.
  • the two or more sections may comprise one or more spiral chambers, one or more parallel chambers or a combination thereof.
  • the chambers may be round in cross-section.
  • 150 - 5000 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen 12 are stored in the entire length of the tunnel 46.
  • the tunnel 46 may be excavated at a depth from the ground surface 16 of no more than 100m. More specifically, the tunnel 46 may be excavated at a depth from the ground surface 16 of no more than 50m.
  • the concrete layer 26 may be pre-stressed with steel strands, that are optionally coated with a protective polymer coating or galvanised with a non-corrosive metal.
  • the concrete layer 26 may be fitted with a water sealing gasket 38 (see Figure 3) and an open cell drainage system that drains water away from the elastomeric polymer layer 28. Examples of open cell drainage systems are shown in Figures 11A-11C, Figures 12A-12C and Figure 13.
  • the drainage system in Figure 13 shows the principle of water drainage through the permeable layer with collection of water in a pipe located in the bottom or invert of this layer.
  • the system also shows the venting of hydrogen through the same permeable layer with collection of hydrogen in a pipe located at the top or crown of this layer.
  • the drainage mat layer 40 as shown in Figure 3 may be attached to the concrete layer 26 facing the interior of the tunnel 46.
  • the mortar layer 42 may be coated on the drainage mat layer 40.
  • the elastomeric polymer layer 44 may be coated on the mortar layer 42.
  • the elastomeric polymer layer designated as 28, 30 or 44 may have a hydrogen permeability of equal or less than 20 g/m 2 /day at a pressure range of approximately 30-60 bar(a).
  • the elastomeric polymer layer designated as 28, 30 or 44 has a hydrogen permeability of equal or less than 10 g/m2/day at a pressure range of approximately 30-60 bar(a).
  • the tunnel 46 may be fitted with at least one flame retarder, arrestor, or a gate system 58 to mitigate flame propagation.
  • the underground space comprises tunnels, shafts and caverns. Concrete lined tunnels are the main storage element.
  • the excavation method for these underground spaces may comprise any one or a combination of: drilling and blasting; use of a tunnel boring machine (TBM); use of pipe jacking equipment; top down drilling or raise boring.
  • TBM tunnel boring machine
  • the main tunnel solutions will be either a spiral type tunnel or multiple parallel tunnels, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 A and 2B.
  • Hydrogen gas containment can be achieved by using a combination of containment components and lining layers.
  • a main containment component can be a sprayed on polymer based membrane, which has low hydrogen permeability.
  • Containment components and lining layers as shown in Figure 3 may be a combination of the following: surrounding earth and rock 32; primary concrete layer 26 or 36;
  • Containment components may include:
  • Main intent of the design is to provide hydrogen gas storage to overcome the intermittency of supply in the process chain from delivered hydrogen to a carrier plant, see Figure 5.
  • the cause of the hydrogen intermittency is the intermittency of the renewable power supply.
  • the hydrogen storage is located between the hydrogen source (such as one or more electrolysers) and the carrier plant (such as a liquefication or ammonia plant).
  • the carrier plant such as a liquefication or ammonia plant.
  • the system can be purged with nitrogen in several cycles.
  • a schematic purging system is shown in Figure 8. The system will not use a vacuum for purging or in any other operation at any point of time.
  • Examples of the present invention may provide the following advantages.
  • a pressure vessel design is not required, because the surrounding rock is designed to take some of the structural containment load, with the installed liner membrane providing another containment layer. 2. Costly, above surface steel structures are avoided.
  • this storage is drier and cleaner, and the hydrogen does not require extensive drying or purification processes after withdrawal.
  • this storage solution is structurally stable at atmospheric pressure and doesn’t require a minimum cushion gas and pressure to maintain rock stability. Cushion gas can however, be beneficial in reducing the cost of compression.
  • this storage solution is drier and cleaner, and the hydrogen doesn’t require extensive drying or purification processes after withdrawal. It is also at a much lesser depth underground, thus more economical.
  • FEA numerical
  • An embodiment of the present invention may have the following features.
  • TBM tunnel boring machine
  • the storage can be used for frequent cycling, e.g. daily cycling.
  • the stresses of frequent pressure cycling will be absorbed by the different design elements, e.g. stiffness of the rock mass, stiffness of the concrete lining and tensile strength of the steel elements (pre-stress strands, Figure 9).
  • the storage system can be made suitable for use with intermittent renewable energies.
  • the life span of the membrane can be up to and including 50y which can be reapplied if necessary.
  • the system can be designed for a maximum storage pressure of 60bar(a), which limits the cost of compression and also enables the use of a polymeric membrane. Higher storage pressures such as 90 bar(a) can be facilitated with the use of an integrated steel liner option.
  • volume being a function of storage pressure
  • length being a function of tunnel diameter
  • depth being a function of storage pressure
  • the storage apparatus or storage system can have safety features to prevent flame propagation. These features can include bulkheads and flame retarders incorporated into the tunnel as shown in Figure 8. These features can make the storage tunnel safer to operate than other storage solutions.
  • the storage apparatus or containment system can be accessible by men, under atmospheric conditions for inspection, maintenance or certification purposes. This is a distinctive feature separating it from geological storage solutions like salt caverns or depleted reservoirs.
  • All parts of the storage system can be installed underground, which can minimize the vulnerability to environmental or terrorist impact.

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Abstract

A storage apparatus for storing gaseous hydrogen, the storage apparatus including a source of gaseous hydrogen, a storage cavity located below a ground surface, and a conduit between said source and said storage cavity for supply of hydrogen from said source to said storage cavity, wherein said storage cavity is provided with a liner formed of a settable material.

Description

STORAGE APPARATUS
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a storage apparatus and more specifically, but not exclusively, to an underground storage apparatus having a concrete liner for storing gaseous hydrogen.
Background to the Invention
It has previously been proposed to provide hydrogen storage in the form of an underground vessel. For example, US Patent No. 10,995,906 discloses a method of storing hydrogen involving forming an excavation in earth and constructing a storage tank comprised of integrated primary and secondary containment structures. However, the applicant has identified there may be disadvantages with such a storage facility, including practicality issues such as expensive construction, as well as safety issues including vulnerability to failure/leakage.
Examples of the present invention seek to provide a storage apparatus which ameliorates or at least alleviates one or more disadvantages of existing hydrogen storage apparatuses, or at least provides a useful alternative.
Summary of the Invention
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaseous hydrogen containment system comprising one or more sources of gaseous hydrogen located above, below, or partially below a ground surface that are connected via one or more access shafts or one or more incline tunnels to an underground tunnel excavated from any type of rock at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 200m and the tunnel has an internal diameter range of 1.8 to 16m and a total length of between 1 and 40km, and the tunnel is fitted with at least one bulkhead, wherein the interior surface of the excavated tunnel is backfilled and lined to provide a surface that is lined with at least one layer of reinforced concrete having a compressive strength of between 40-80MPa and having a thickness of between 100 and 700mm and the concrete layer facing the interior of the tunnel is coated with at least one elastomeric polymer layer, whereby the concrete layer and the rock surrounding the tunnel resists a pressure of between approximately 1-90 bar(a) from the gaseous hydrogen being stored in the tunnel, and in the event that a crack forms in the concrete layer, the crack is no more than 6 mm in width.
Preferably, the one or more sources of gaseous hydrogen are powered by one or more intermittent sources of energy.
In a preferred form, the underground tunnel is connected to a pressurized hydrogen supply system located above ground.
Preferably, the underground tunnel is divided into two or more sections to provide a pre-defined percentage of system redundancy. More preferably, the two or more sections comprise one or more spiral chambers, one or more parallel chambers or a combination thereof. Even more preferably, the chambers are round in cross-section.
In a preferred form, 150 - 5000 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen are stored in the entire length of the tunnel.
Preferably, the tunnel is excavated at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 100 m.
It is preferred that the tunnel is excavated at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 50m.
Optionally, the concrete layer is pre-stressed with steel strands. The strands may be coated with a protective polymer coating or galvanised with a non-corrosive metal.
Preferably, the concrete layer is fitted with a water sealing gasket and an open cell drainage system that drains water away from the elastomeric polymer layer. More preferably, a drainage mat layer is attached on the concrete layer facing the interior of the tunnel. Even more preferably, a mortar layer is coated on the drainage mat layer. In one particular form, the elastomeric polymer layer is coated on the mortar layer.
In a preferred form, the elastomeric polymer layer has a hydrogen permeability of equal or less than 20 g/m2/day at a pressure range of approximately 30-60 bar(a). More preferably, the elastomeric polymer layer has a hydrogen permeability of equal or less than 10 g/m2/day at a pressure range of approximately 30-60 bar (a).
Optionally, the tunnel is fitted with at least one flame retarder, arrestor, or a gate system to mitigate flame propagation.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaseous hydrogen containment system comprising one or more sources of gaseous hydrogen located above, below, or partially below a ground surface that are connected via one or more access shafts or one or more incline tunnels to an underground tunnel excavated from any type of rock at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 200m and the tunnel has an internal diameter range of 1.8 to 16m and a total length of between 1 to 40km and the tunnel is fitted with at least one bulkhead, wherein the interior surface of the excavated tunnel is lined with at least one layer of reinforced concrete having a compressive strength of between 40-80 MPa and having a thickness of between 100mm and 700mm and the concrete layer facing the interior of the tunnel is coated with a steel layer, whereby the concrete layer and the rock surrounding the tunnel resists a pressure of between approximately 1-90 bar(a) from the gaseous hydrogen being stored in the tunnel, and in the event that a crack forms in the concrete layer, the crack is no more than 6mm in width.
Preferably, the one or more sources of gaseous hydrogen are powered by one or more intermittent sources of energy.
Preferably, the underground tunnel is connected to a pressurized hydrogen supply system located above ground. A pressurized electrolyser and/or a hydrogen compressor can be parts of the pressurized hydrogen supply system.
In a preferred form, the underground tunnel is divided into two or more sections to provide a pre-defined percentage of system redundancy. More preferably, the two or more sections comprise one or more spiral chambers, one or more parallel chambers or a combination thereof. Even more preferably, the chambers are round in cross-section.
Preferably, 150 - 5000 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen are stored in the entire length of the tunnel. In a preferred form, the tunnel is excavated at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 100m. More preferably, the tunnel is excavated at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 50m.
Optionally, the concrete layer is pre-stressed with steel strands, that are optionally coated with a protective polymer coating or galvanised with a non-corrosive metal.
In a preferred form, the concrete layer is fitted with water sealing gaskets and an open cell drainage system that drains water away from the steel layer.
Optionally, the tunnel is fitted with at least one flame retarder, arrestor or a gate system to mitigate flame propagation.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage apparatus for storing gaseous hydrogen, the storage apparatus including a source of gaseous hydrogen, a storage cavity located below a ground surface, and a conduit between said source and said storage cavity for supply of hydrogen from said source to said storage cavity, wherein said storage cavity is provided with a liner formed of a settable material.
The source of gaseous hydrogen may be located above, below, or partially below a ground surface
In some embodiments, the settable material may be concrete. The settable material may be reinforced concrete. The reinforced concrete may have a compressive strength of between 40 and 80MPa. The reinforced concrete may have a thickness of between 100 and 700mm.
The concrete layer and rock surrounding the storage cavity may be adapted to resist a pressure of between approximately 1-90 bar(a) from the gaseous hydrogen being stored in the storage cavity. The concrete layer and said rock surrounding the storage cavity may be arranged such that, in the event that a crack forms in the concrete layer, a width of the crack does not exceed 6mm.
The liner may include a polymeric internal layer, located internally of the reinforced concrete. The internal layer may be formed of an elastomeric polymer. In some embodiments, the storage cavity may be in the form of a tunnel. The tunnel may have a total length between 1 km and 40 km. The tunnel may be excavated from rock such that surrounding rock provides confinement against expansion of the storage cavity. The tunnel may be excavated at a depth from said ground surface not exceeding 200m. The tunnel may have an internal diameter within the range of 1.8 m to 16m.
The tunnel may be in the form of a spiral. The tunnel may be in the form of multiple parallel tunnel sections interconnected by a cross manifold. Alternatively or additionally, the tunnel may be fitted with at least one bulkhead.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows examples of the present invention in which the storage cavity is in the form of a spiral type tunnel;
Figures 2A and 2B show an example of the present invention in which the storage cavity is in the form of parallel tunnels;
Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of a concrete lining with sprayed membrane;
Figure 4 shows a tortuous effect of fillers in a polymer barrier;
Figure 5 shows storage of hydrogen within a hydrogen process chain;
Figure 6A shows a graph of the volume of excavation (m3) required to store 600 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen stored at 20°C at different pressures (bar(a)).
Figure 6B shows a graph of the tunnel length (m) required to store 600 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen stored at 20°C at different pressures (bar(a)) and with different internal tunnel diameters (06m; 08m; 012m);
Figure 6C shows a graph of balance depth, i.e. the depth at which ground pressure theoretically equals storage pressure. Tunnels can be shallower than shown in this graph, for a given pressure; Figure 7 depicts cost optimisation in relation to storage pressure ranges;
Figure 8 shows a principle process flow diagram of a gas containment and purging system;
Figure 9 shows a prestressing system of a storage apparatus in accordance with an example of the present invention;
Figure 10A and 10B shows an integrated steel liner option;
Figures 11A to 11C show examples of open cell drainage systems including use of mesh in a tunnel lining, mesh material detail, and cell shaped geotextile;
Figures 12A to 12C show examples of open cell drainage systems including foamed grout, perforated pipes, and a combination of foamed grout and perforated pipes; and
Figure 13 shows an open cell drainage system is similar to Figure 11 A.
Detailed Description
With reference to Figures 1 to 13 of the drawings, there is shown a storage apparatus 10 for storing gaseous hydrogen 12. The storage apparatus 10 includes a source 14 of gaseous hydrogen located above a ground surface 16, a storage cavity 18 located below the ground surface 16, and a conduit 20 between said source 14 and said storage cavity 18 for supply of hydrogen from the source 14 to the storage cavity 18. The storage cavity 18 is provided with a liner 22 formed of a settable material 24. Advantageously, the storage apparatus 10 uses surrounding earth and rock as well as the liner 22 to provide containment of the gaseous hydrogen 12.
The settable material 24 may be in the form of concrete 26. In particular, the settable material 24 may be in the form of reinforced concrete 26.
The storage cavity 18 may be located entirely below the ground surface 16, as shown in Figure 8.
As shown in Figure 3, the liner 22 may include a polymeric internal layer 28, located internally of the reinforced concrete 26. The internal layer 28 may be formed of an elastomeric polymer 30. With specific reference to Figure 3, there is shown ground material 32, backfill annulus grout 34, precast concrete segments 36, water sealing gaskets 38, a drainage mat layer 40, a sprayed mortar regulating layer 42 and a spray applied gas proof membrane 44.
The storage cavity 18 may be in the form of a tunnel 46. The tunnel 46 may have a total length of between 1 km and 40km. The tunnel 46 may be excavated from rock such that ground material 32 in the form of surrounding rock provides confinement against expansion of the storage cavity 18. The volume of ground material that is required to be excavated to store 600 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen at 20 °C and at different pressures is shown in Figure 6a. From approximately 20 bar(a), the volume of excavation required decreases at a lower rate and at 30 bar(a), the volume of excavation begins to flatten.
The tunnel 46 may be excavated at a depth from the ground surface 16 not exceeding 200m. The tunnel 46 may have an internal diameter within the range of 1 ,8m to 16m. Figure 6b shows that the internal diameter of the tunnel affects the required length of the tunnel. To store 600 tonnes gaseous hydrogen at 30 bar(a) pressure, for example, a tunnel having an internal diameter of 12 m does not need to be as long as a tunnel having an internal diameter of 6 m.
The depth of the tunnel is also a factor as the deeper the tunnel, the higher the permitted storage pressure, so a tunnel of given diameter can be shorter.
An economic benefit of the apparatus is that it may be optimised for the best cost benefit. For example, in Figure 7, the capital expenditure curve (CAPEX) and the operational cost curve (OPEX) is shown in one graph. The variable is the pressure range or amount of cushion gas on the horizontal axis. The sum of both curves (CAPEX + OPEX) shows an optimum at a pressure range of 30-15 bar or 600T cushion gas. The optimum point will be different from project to project, depending on external equipment constraints and geological conditions. As shown in Figure 8, the tunnel 46 may be fitted with at least one bulkhead 48. The reinforced concrete 26 may have a compressive strength of between 40 MPa and 80MPa. The reinforced concrete 26 may have a thickness of between 100mm and 700mm.
The concrete layer 26 and rock ground material 32 surrounding the storage cavity 18 may be adapted to resist a pressure of between approximately 1-90 bar(a) from the gaseous hydrogen 12 being stored in the storage cavity 18. The concrete layer 26 and the rock ground material 32 surrounding the storage cavity 18 may be arranged such that, in the event that a crack forms in the concrete layer 26, a width of the crack does not exceed 6mm.
The tunnel 46 may be in the form of a spiral 50, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, the tunnel 46 may be in the form of multiple parallel tunnel sections 52 interconnected by a cross manifold 54.
Accordingly, the storage apparatus 10 may provide a gaseous hydrogen containment system comprising one or more sources 14 of gaseous hydrogen 12 located above, below, or partially below a ground surface that are connected via one or more access shafts or one or more incline tunnels to an underground tunnel 46. The tunnel 46 may be excavated from any type of rock at a depth from the ground surface 16 of no more than 200m and the tunnel 46 may have an internal diameter range of 1.8m to 16m and a total length of between 1km to 40km. The tunnel 46 may be fitted with at least one bulkhead 48. An interior surface of the excavated tunnel 46 may be backfilled and lined to provide a surface that is lined with at least one layer of reinforced concrete 26 having a compressive strength of between 40MPa to 80MPa and having a thickness of between 100mm and 700mm. In one form, the concrete layer 26 facing the interior of the tunnel 46 is coated with at least one elastomeric polymer layer 28, whereby the concrete layer 26 and the rock ground material 32 surrounding the tunnel 46 resists a pressure of between approximately 1-90 bar(a) from the gaseous hydrogen 12 being stored in the tunnel 46. In the event that a crack forms in the concrete layer 26, the storage apparatus 10 is adapted such that the crack is no more than 6mm in width.
The one or more sources 14 of gaseous hydrogen 12 may be powered by one or more intermittent sources of energy. The underground tunnel 46 may be connected to a pressurized hydrogen supply system 14 located above ground. The underground tunnel 46 may be divided into two or more sections to provide a pre-defined percentage of system redundancy. The two or more sections may comprise one or more spiral chambers, one or more parallel chambers or a combination thereof. The chambers may be round in cross-section. In one form, 150 - 5000 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen 12 are stored in the entire length of the tunnel 46. The tunnel 46 may be excavated at a depth from the ground surface 16 of no more than 100m. More specifically, the tunnel 46 may be excavated at a depth from the ground surface 16 of no more than 50m.
The concrete layer 26 may be pre-stressed with steel strands, that are optionally coated with a protective polymer coating or galvanised with a non-corrosive metal. The concrete layer 26 may be fitted with a water sealing gasket 38 (see Figure 3) and an open cell drainage system that drains water away from the elastomeric polymer layer 28. The drainage mat layer 40 may be attached to the concrete layer 26 facing the interior of the tunnel 46. The mortar layer 42 may be coated on the drainage mat layer 40. The elastomeric polymer layer 28 may be coated on the mortar layer 42.
The elastomeric polymer layer 28 may have a hydrogen permeability of equal or less than 10 g/m2/day at a pressure range of approximately 30-60 bar(a). The tunnel 46 may be fitted with at least one flame retarder, arrestor, or a gate system 58 to mitigate flame propagation.
As will be appreciated from the above, there is provided a gaseous hydrogen containment system comprising one or more sources 14 of gaseous hydrogen 12 located above, below, or partially below a ground surface that are connected via one or more access shafts or one or more incline tunnels to an underground tunnel 46 excavated from any type of rock at a depth from the ground surface 16.
It is to be understood that the term “containment” is used herein to mean a loss of hydrogen of approximately no more than 0.4% of the storage mass of hydrogen per day, and preferably a loss of hydrogen of approximately no more than 0.2% of the storage mass of hydrogen per day.
It is also to be understood that the term “partially below ground” is used herein to mean that the structure of the one or more sources of gaseous hydrogen that may include a pressurized hydrogen supply system is located both above and below the ground surface. Preferably, the part of the structure that is below the ground surface (i.e. underground) is at a depth from the ground surface that is not greater than the depth of the underground tunnel.
In one form, the depth from the ground surface 16 of the underground tunnel 46 is no more than 200m and the tunnel 46 has an internal diameter range of 1.8m to 16m and a total length of between 1km and 40km. The tunnel 46 may be fitted with at least one bulkhead 48. The interior surface of the excavated tunnel 46 is lined with at least one layer of reinforced concrete 26 having a compressive strength of between 40MPa and 80MPa and having a thickness of between 100mm and 700mm. The concrete layer facing the interior of the tunnel 46 may be coated with a steel layer 60, whereby the concrete layer 26 and the rock ground material 32 surrounding the tunnel 46 resists a pressure of between approximately 1 bar(a) and 90 bar(a) from the gaseous hydrogen 12 being stored in the tunnel 46. In the event that a crack forms in the concrete layer 26, the storage apparatus 10 may be adapted such that the crack is no more than 6mm in width.
The one or more sources 14 of gaseous hydrogen 12 may be powered by one or more intermittent sources of energy. The underground tunnel 46 may be connected to a pressurized hydrogen supply system 14 located above ground.
The underground tunnel 46 may be divided into two or more sections to provide a pre-defined percentage of system redundancy. The two or more sections may comprise one or more spiral chambers, one or more parallel chambers or a combination thereof. The chambers may be round in cross-section. In one form, 150 - 5000 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen 12 are stored in the entire length of the tunnel 46. The tunnel 46 may be excavated at a depth from the ground surface 16 of no more than 100m. More specifically, the tunnel 46 may be excavated at a depth from the ground surface 16 of no more than 50m.
The concrete layer 26 may be pre-stressed with steel strands, that are optionally coated with a protective polymer coating or galvanised with a non-corrosive metal. The concrete layer 26 may be fitted with a water sealing gasket 38 (see Figure 3) and an open cell drainage system that drains water away from the elastomeric polymer layer 28. Examples of open cell drainage systems are shown in Figures 11A-11C, Figures 12A-12C and Figure 13. The drainage system in Figure 13 shows the principle of water drainage through the permeable layer with collection of water in a pipe located in the bottom or invert of this layer. The system also shows the venting of hydrogen through the same permeable layer with collection of hydrogen in a pipe located at the top or crown of this layer.
The drainage mat layer 40 as shown in Figure 3 may be attached to the concrete layer 26 facing the interior of the tunnel 46. The mortar layer 42 may be coated on the drainage mat layer 40. The elastomeric polymer layer 44 may be coated on the mortar layer 42.
The elastomeric polymer layer designated as 28, 30 or 44 may have a hydrogen permeability of equal or less than 20 g/m2/day at a pressure range of approximately 30-60 bar(a). Preferably, the elastomeric polymer layer designated as 28, 30 or 44 has a hydrogen permeability of equal or less than 10 g/m2/day at a pressure range of approximately 30-60 bar(a). The tunnel 46 may be fitted with at least one flame retarder, arrestor, or a gate system 58 to mitigate flame propagation.
In one example, there is provided a system using excavated underground space in the form of concrete lined tunnels for hydrogen storage.
The underground space comprises tunnels, shafts and caverns. Concrete lined tunnels are the main storage element. The excavation method for these underground spaces may comprise any one or a combination of: drilling and blasting; use of a tunnel boring machine (TBM); use of pipe jacking equipment; top down drilling or raise boring. The main tunnel solutions will be either a spiral type tunnel or multiple parallel tunnels, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 A and 2B.
Hydrogen gas containment can be achieved by using a combination of containment components and lining layers. A main containment component can be a sprayed on polymer based membrane, which has low hydrogen permeability.
Containment components and lining layers as shown in Figure 3, may be a combination of the following: surrounding earth and rock 32; primary concrete layer 26 or 36;
• permeability layer for ground water drainage and leak detection 40;
• regulating layer 42; and
• polymeric membrane 28, 30 or 44.
Containment components may include:
1. primary containment by polymer based membrane, using the “tortuous effect”, Figure 4 (alternatively spiral welded steel layer);
2. diverting and collecting leakage by a permeable layer or channels;
3. secondary containment by the structural concrete lining and a bulkhead to seal off the tunnel; and/or
4. secondary containment by the rock mass.
Main intent of the design is to provide hydrogen gas storage to overcome the intermittency of supply in the process chain from delivered hydrogen to a carrier plant, see Figure 5. The cause of the hydrogen intermittency is the intermittency of the renewable power supply. The hydrogen storage is located between the hydrogen source (such as one or more electrolysers) and the carrier plant (such as a liquefication or ammonia plant). There is the potential however for this design to be extended to suit extended storage applications such as weekly or monthly supply chain or strategic storage and being separate to the hydrogen process or value chain. The system can be purged with nitrogen in several cycles. A schematic purging system is shown in Figure 8. The system will not use a vacuum for purging or in any other operation at any point of time.
Examples of the present invention may provide the following advantages.
1. A pressure vessel design is not required, because the surrounding rock is designed to take some of the structural containment load, with the installed liner membrane providing another containment layer. 2. Costly, above surface steel structures are avoided.
3. Underground installation is intrinsically safer, better protected against containment faults and fire disasters.
4. Underground installation is much better protected against sabotage or terrorist attacks.
5. Does not require extensive acquisition of land.
6. Reduced maintenance compared to overground tank storage; winter maintenance is minimized.
7. The product quality is better maintained for long time storage because of stable temperatures and dry environment inside the underground space.
8. Compared to salt caverns, this storage is drier and cleaner, and the hydrogen does not require extensive drying or purification processes after withdrawal.
9. Compared to salt caverns, this storage solution is structurally stable at atmospheric pressure and doesn’t require a minimum cushion gas and pressure to maintain rock stability. Cushion gas can however, be beneficial in reducing the cost of compression.
10. Compared to unlined mined caverns, this storage solution is drier and cleaner, and the hydrogen doesn’t require extensive drying or purification processes after withdrawal. It is also at a much lesser depth underground, thus more economical.
11. Compared to concrete lined mined caverns, this storage solution is exploiting the round tunnel shape as a means to optimize the design in terms of depth underground and in minimizing the structural lining requirements.
Advantageously, the use of the combining effect of rock mass and concrete lining for pressure containment at reasonable geological depth may reduce lining and containment cost. A numerical (FEA) model may be used for designing an example with optimised efficiency.
An embodiment of the present invention may have the following features.
1. The division of the storage tunnel in several sections, e.g. number of spirals or number of parallel tunnels will increase redundance of the storage facility and enable continuous operation over its lifetime.
2. The use of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) to excavate the storage volume will enable fast and cost-efficient construction.
3. The design of a concrete lining with pre-defined flexibility will be used to limit crack allowance < =3mm. If the rock mass cannot support the crack allowance a prestressed ring design may be used (see Figure 9). The crack opening is controlled by design parameters like concrete thickness, amount of reinforcing bar (rebar) or amount of internal pre-stressing. This crack limitation by design will only enable the use of a flexible poly-membrane for hydrogen containment.
4. Same as above, by controlling the crack opening by design parameters, the storage can be used for frequent cycling, e.g. daily cycling. The stresses of frequent pressure cycling will be absorbed by the different design elements, e.g. stiffness of the rock mass, stiffness of the concrete lining and tensile strength of the steel elements (pre-stress strands, Figure 9). By controlling the crack opening, the storage system can be made suitable for use with intermittent renewable energies.
5. The use of a flexible polymer-based containment membrane, which can bridge any lining faults <=6mm and will not fail on minor flexible movements, can be used for hydrogen containment. In one example, a polymeric membrane may be required to fulfil a list of performance criteria (functions), as follows: • hydrogen permeability of the membrane is <= =10g/m2/day at approximately 30bar(a); or alternatively <=20g/m2/day at approximately 30 bar(a)
• 0-<=6 mm gap cycling possible with the membrane remaining elastic during loading and unloading of hydrogen;
• thickness of the membrane is approximately 5mm;
• crack bridging by the membrane is possible up to and including 6mm; and/or
• the life span of the membrane can be up to and including 50y which can be reapplied if necessary.
6. The use of a combination of containment membrane and drainage layer (see Figure 3 and Figure 10A) will isolate the water drainage of the surrounding rock mass from the function of the sealing membrane. This will facilitate the performance of the sealing membrane and achieve an economically reasonable and safe containment outcome. Hydrogen loss will be minimized.
7. The system can be designed for a maximum storage pressure of 60bar(a), which limits the cost of compression and also enables the use of a polymeric membrane. Higher storage pressures such as 90 bar(a) can be facilitated with the use of an integrated steel liner option.
8. The use of an integrated steel liner option 22 (Figures 10A and 10B) will extend the application range for higher pressure ratings and weaker geological conditions, where joint or crack opening is not suitable for the application of a polymeric membrane.
9. The use of a polymeric membrane or a steel liner 60 will enable storage of gaseous hydrogen in a drier and cleaner environment when compared to a salt cavern, which eliminates the need to dry or purify the hydrogen when it is withdrawn form storage. 10. The use of an optimization algorithm for tunnel diameter, length, depth, pressure and divisions will achieve the most economical solution for a given storage volume, as shown in Figures 6a-c. The algorithm for this optimization is:
O unptt.
Figure imgf000018_0001
with volume being a function of storage pressure, length being a function of tunnel diameter and depth being a function of storage pressure.
11. The use of an optimization algorithm of pressure and cushion gas volumes will achieve the most economical solution for an operational model with given operational pressure and storage volume requirement, as shown in Figure 7. The algorithm for this optimization is: upt.
Figure imgf000018_0002
with cost of construction being a function of volume and cost of compression being a function of final pressure. In general, cost of construction represents CAPEX and cost of compression represents OPEX.
12. The storage apparatus or storage system can have safety features to prevent flame propagation. These features can include bulkheads and flame retarders incorporated into the tunnel as shown in Figure 8. These features can make the storage tunnel safer to operate than other storage solutions.
13. The storage apparatus or containment system can be accessible by men, under atmospheric conditions for inspection, maintenance or certification purposes. This is a distinctive feature separating it from geological storage solutions like salt caverns or depleted reservoirs.
14. All parts of the storage system can be installed underground, which can minimize the vulnerability to environmental or terrorist impact.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments. The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
Figure imgf000020_0001

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. A gaseous hydrogen containment system comprising one or more sources of gaseous hydrogen located above, below, or partially below a ground surface that are connected via one or more access shafts or one or more incline tunnels to an underground tunnel excavated from any type of rock at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 200 m and the tunnel has an internal diameter range of 1.8 to 16m and a total length of between 1 to 40km and the tunnel is fitted with at least one bulkhead, wherein the interior surface of the excavated tunnel is backfilled and lined to provide a surface that is lined with at least one layer of reinforced concrete having a compressive strength of between 40-80MPa and having a thickness of between 100 and 700mm and the concrete layer facing the interior of the tunnel is coated with at least one elastomeric polymer layer, whereby the concrete layer and the rock surrounding the tunnel resists a pressure of between approximately 1-90 bar(a) from the gaseous hydrogen being stored in the tunnel, and in the event that a crack forms in the concrete layer, the crack is no more than 6mm in width.
2. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more sources of gaseous hydrogen are powered by one or more intermittent sources of energy.
3. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the underground tunnel is connected to a pressurized hydrogen supply system located above ground.
4. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the underground tunnel is divided into two or more sections to provide a pre-defined percentage of system redundancy.
5. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to claim 4, wherein the two or more sections comprise one or more spiral chambers, one or more parallel chambers or a combination thereof.
6. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to claim 5, wherein the chambers are round in cross-section. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein 150 - 5000 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen are stored in the entire length of the tunnel. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tunnel is excavated at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 100m. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tunnel is excavated at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 50m. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the concrete layer is pre-stressed with steel strands, that are optionally coated with a protective polymer coating or galvanised with a non-corrosive metal. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the concrete layer is fitted with a water sealing gasket and an open cell drainage system that drains water away from the elastomeric polymer layer. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to claim 11, wherein a drainage mat layer is attached to the concrete layer facing the interior of the tunnel. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to claim 12, wherein a mortar layer is coated on the drainage mat layer. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to claim 13, wherein the elastomeric polymer layer is coated on the mortar layer. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the elastomeric polymer layer has a hydrogen permeability of equal or less than 20 g/m2/day at a pressure range of approximately 30-60 bar(a). A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the tunnel is fitted with at least one flame retarder, arrestor, or a gate system to mitigate flame propagation. A gaseous hydrogen containment system comprising one or more sources of gaseous hydrogen located above, below, or partially below a ground surface that are connected via one or more access shafts or one or more incline tunnels to an underground tunnel excavated from any type of rock at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 200 m and the tunnel has an internal diameter range of 1.8 to 16m and a length of between 1 to 40km and the tunnel is fitted with at least one bulkhead, wherein the interior surface of the excavated tunnel is lined with at least one layer of reinforced concrete having a compressive strength of between 40-80 MPa and having a thickness of between 100mm and 700mm and the concrete layer facing the interior of the tunnel is coated with a steel layer, whereby the concrete layer and the rock surrounding the tunnel resists a pressure of between approximately 1-90 bar(a) from the gaseous hydrogen being stored in the tunnel, and in the event that a crack forms in the concrete layer, the crack is no more than 6 mm in width. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to claim 17, wherein the one or more sources of gaseous hydrogen are powered by one or more intermittent sources of energy. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the underground tunnel is connected to a pressurized hydrogen supply system located above ground. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the underground tunnel is divided into two or more sections to provide a pre-defined percentage of system redundancy. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to claim 20, wherein the two or more sections comprise one or more spiral chambers, one or more parallel chambers or a combination thereof. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to claim 21, wherein the chambers are round in cross-section. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein 150 - 5000 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen are stored in the entire length of the tunnel. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the tunnel is excavated at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 100m. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the tunnel is excavated at a depth from the ground surface of no more than 50m. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the concrete layer is pre-stressed with steel strands, that are optionally coated with a protective polymer coating or galvanised with a non-corrosive metal. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the concrete layer is fitted with water sealing gaskets and an open cell drainage system that drains water away from the steel layer. A gaseous hydrogen containment system according to any one of claims 17 to 27, wherein the tunnel is fitted with at least one flame retarder, arrestor or a gate system to mitigate flame propagation. A storage apparatus for storing gaseous hydrogen, the storage apparatus including a source of gaseous hydrogen, a storage cavity located below a ground surface, and a conduit between said source and said storage cavity for supply of hydrogen from said source to said storage cavity, wherein said storage cavity is provided with a liner formed of a settable material.
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US20130336721A1 (en) * 2012-06-13 2013-12-19 Troy O. McBride Fluid storage in compressed-gas energy storage and recovery systems
US20160136464A1 (en) * 2014-11-18 2016-05-19 Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. Lp Detonation arrestor for cavern storage
US9359137B2 (en) * 2012-07-17 2016-06-07 Tectona Ltd. Tunneled gas storage
US20210207771A1 (en) * 2018-05-17 2021-07-08 Hydrostor Inc. Hydrostatically compensated compressed gas energy storage system
CN114212437A (en) * 2021-12-21 2022-03-22 中国电建集团中南勘测设计研究院有限公司 Vertical tank type shallow buried underground rock cavern gas storage structure

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002180484A (en) * 2000-12-11 2002-06-26 Shimizu Corp Method for calculating width of crack in high-pressure gas storage facility
US20130336721A1 (en) * 2012-06-13 2013-12-19 Troy O. McBride Fluid storage in compressed-gas energy storage and recovery systems
US9359137B2 (en) * 2012-07-17 2016-06-07 Tectona Ltd. Tunneled gas storage
US20160136464A1 (en) * 2014-11-18 2016-05-19 Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. Lp Detonation arrestor for cavern storage
US20210207771A1 (en) * 2018-05-17 2021-07-08 Hydrostor Inc. Hydrostatically compensated compressed gas energy storage system
CN114212437A (en) * 2021-12-21 2022-03-22 中国电建集团中南勘测设计研究院有限公司 Vertical tank type shallow buried underground rock cavern gas storage structure

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